When obtaining a Certificate of Good Standing (also called a Certificate of Status or Certificate of Existence) in New York, you have two options: Short Form and Long Form. Understanding the differences will help you choose the certificate that meets your needs.
Short Form Certificate
Purpose:
Provides a basic confirmation of the entity’s existence and status.
Information Included:
- Legal name of the entity
- Entity type (corporation, LLC, etc.)
- State of formation/registration
- Status (active/inactive)
- Compliance with state Biennial filing requirements
Does Not Include:
Detailed information such as officers, directors, registered agent, or filing history.
Long Form Certificate
Purpose:
Provides a more comprehensive, detailed record of the entity.
Information Included:
- Everything in the Short Form
- List of current officers, directors, or members
- Registered agent and office address
- Filing history (articles of incorporation, amendments, etc.)
Summary:
Since the cost of the Long Form in New York is the same as the Short Form, most clients request the Long Form for a complete record.